Bone Staple Instrument With Linkage-Driven Insertion and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack the ability to effectively hold and spread compression staples for insertion into bone segments, and there is a need for instruments that can lift or remove staples for repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument with a drive shaft, linkage mechanism, and staple holder that expands and contracts to facilitate the insertion and removal of staples, featuring ergonomic design and sterilizable components for surgical use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression staple is used to achieve bone segment compression, then bone tissue growth is improved, but the instrument complexity increases to hold and spread the staple legs
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: a body housing, a drive shaft with threading, a nut mechanism, and a linkage system with multiple articulated links. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall staple deployment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft is inserted through the body housing, and the nut is threaded onto the drive shaft. The linkage mechanism is contained within the body and connects to the nut. This nested arrangement compactly integrates multiple functional elements within the instrument's housing, reducing overall complexity while maintaining functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the instrument can lift and remove staples for repositioning, then adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional mechanical requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is designed to perform multiple functions: it can insert staples by spreading the legs, lift staples by engaging the bridge, and remove staples by lifting and spreading. The same mechanical components (linkage, nut, drive shaft) are used for all these operations, making the instrument versatile without requiring separate specialized tools for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing separate instruments for insertion and removal, the invention inverts the approach by creating a single instrument that can perform both functions. The linkage mechanism can operate in reverse: during insertion, it spreads the legs; during removal, it lifts the bridge and spreads the legs to release the staple.
3Manufacturing precision
If the linkage mechanism is designed for precise staple placement, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism uses articulated links connected by pins that allow rotational movement. This dynamic structure enables the mechanism to adapt its configuration during operation, providing precise control over staple leg spreading and placement while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical design compared to rigid precision positioning systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient insertion and removal of staples, promoting bone segment compression and reducing healing time by ensuring proper staple placement and repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
These staples are commonly made from material having memory, such as a nitinol alloy, so that when the legs are splayed, they want to return to their natural position.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a staple instrument for inserting and removing staples from bone. A rotational drive shaft is turned to provide finite adjustments to open and close jaws used to hold and adjust the legs of a staple. A converter coupling converts the rotational motion of the drive shaft to liner motion to operate an articulated linkage system that moves the jaws. The jaws include a sharp edge to engage under a bridge of a staple inserted in bone segments and a convex pry surface that cooperates with the edge to pry a staple from the bone segments when the instrument is pulled away from the bone segments.